You Got Your Lactation Supplements. Now What?

That little bottle on your counter? It's not a magic pill, and we'd never pretend it is. But used the right way, it can be one helpful piece of your feeding plan.

Whether you're nursing, pumping, combo feeding, or working your way back to breastfeeding, the questions tend to be the same. How many do I take? When will I notice anything? Can I take more than one?

Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of your Liquid Gold®, Milkapalooza®, Pump Princess, Cash Cow®, Lechita®, or Lactaboost™.

First: everyone's body responds to herbs differently. The blend your best friend swears by might do very little for you, and the one she shrugged at might be exactly your thing. That's not a sign anything is wrong with you. It's just how herbal lactation supplements work.

That's also why we make more than one formula. Each of our capsules is a different blend of herbs, and Lactaboost brings moringa, goat's rue, and milk thistle together in a strawberry soft chew. So if one isn't the right fit, you have options.

As for timing, it varies. Some people notice a change within a few days of starting a new supplement, and others need longer. That's why we recommend giving each product at least 7 to 10 days before you decide how it's working for you. So try not to judge it by day two.

Our lactation supplements are designed to support milk supply, not to replace individualized lactation care.* Think of them as one helpful piece of the puzzle, alongside the basics we'll cover below.

The suggested dose

The suggested use for each of our lactation capsules is 2 capsules, 3 times a day. Our Lactaboost Lactation Soft Chews have their own serving size: up to 2 soft chews daily. Your label is always the final word, so give it a quick read before your first dose.

New to herbs, or just like to ease in? With capsules, you can start with 2 and work your way up to the dose that works for you.

Taking Lactaboost? Each soft chew is individually wrapped, so it's easy to toss in your pump bag, diaper bag, or car.

Consistency is the secret ingredient

The biggest difference-maker is boring, but true: take them every day, as directed. Spreading your doses through the day and tying them to things you already do makes it way easier to remember. Think breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or your first, middle, and last pump.

A few ways to make it stick:

• Keep your supplements where you feed or pump, not hidden in a cabinet.
• Set phone alarms for each dose (three for capsules, two for Lactaboost) and label them something cute.
• Fill a weekly pill organizer on Sunday so future you doesn't have to think.

Read the notes on your label

Each blend has its own ingredients and label notes, including allergy information. Take a minute to read yours. And as with any new supplement, check in with your healthcare provider before you start, especially if you take any medications.

It's tempting to try everything at once. Totally get it. But if you start three different supplements on the same day, you'll never know which one is actually doing the work.

Our recommendation is simple: try one product at a time for at least 7 to 10 days. It gives each one a fair shot and gives you a clear read on how it fits you.

Keep a simple log

Nothing fancy. A notes app works great. For each supplement, jot down:

• The product and the day you started
• Whether you took every dose (no judgment, life happens)
• How your feeds or pumping sessions felt that day
• Anything else going on, like a growth spurt, a rough night, a new work schedule, or your period coming back

That last one matters more than you'd think. Supply naturally shifts for lots of reasons, so a little context keeps you from blaming (or crediting) your supplement for something else.

Exclusively nursing, so there are no ounces to count? Your baby's wet and dirty diapers and weight checks are the clearest signs of how feeding is going. You might also notice how full your breasts feel or how your let-downs feel, and those are worth jotting down too.

After 7 to 10 days, decide your next step

• Feels like a fit? Great. Keep going and enjoy having one less thing to figure out.

• Not sure yet? Give it the full window before you decide.

• Not your blend? No problem. Try another one of our lactation supplements for its own 7 to 10 days. Prefer something you can chew instead of swallow? Lactaboost might be worth a try.

Can I take more than one?

Yes! If you find that more than one product works for you, you can absolutely combine them, including pairing Lactaboost with your capsules. There's no single right way to do it. People mix and match by:

• Alternating products throughout the day
• Switching products every other day
• Taking each product daily

It may take a little experimenting to land on the routine that works for your body.

And if you'd rather start with a combination right away, that's totally okay too. It just makes it harder to tell which product is making the biggest difference for you.

Not sure where to start or how to build your routine? Our team of Certified Breastfeeding Specialists is happy to help. Get in touch here.

Lactation supplements work best as part of a bigger picture. A few things are worth keeping in mind while you find your fit:

• Regular milk removal. Milk production works on supply and demand, so frequent, effective nursing or pumping sends the signal to keep making milk. Need a starting point? These sample pumping and feeding schedules can help.

• A comfortable pump fit. If you pump, a flange that fits makes sessions more comfortable. Here's how to find your flange size.

• Water and food. Keep a big water bottle wherever you feed or pump, and eat enough. You're doing a lot.

• Rest when you can get it. We know. Ha. But even small breaks count.

And remember that supply naturally changes over time. Around the six-week mark, things often start to regulate, which can feel like a drop even when it isn't. Our post on why a regulated supply can feel like a drop explains what's going on.

Supplements are one tool, not the whole toolbox. Reach out to an IBCLC or lactation consultant if you're worried about your supply, if feeding or pumping hurts, or if you just want someone to look at the full picture with you. And if you have any concerns about how your baby is feeding or growing, check in with your pediatrician.

Asking for help isn't a sign that you're failing. It's what people who are doing a great job do. However you feed your baby, you deserve support.

Can I take my supplements while I'm pregnant?

Our lactation capsules are not recommended during pregnancy, with one exception: Cash Cow® can be used after 36 weeks. Lactaboost is also not recommended during pregnancy, out of an abundance of caution.

Do any of your supplements contain fenugreek?

Nope. Every one of our lactation supplements is fenugreek-free.

I'm combo feeding. Can I still take them?

Absolutely. Our lactation supplements are for anyone who's nursing or pumping, whatever else is part of your feeding plan.

How long should I try one before switching?

At least 7 to 10 days, taken consistently. Some people notice a change within a few days, but giving each product the full window gives you the clearest read.

How long should I keep taking them?

It varies from person to person. Some people take their supplements for a short stretch, and others take them for their whole feeding journey. Whatever you decide, a solid nursing or pumping routine, especially overnight, is the most reliable way to keep your milk production going.

How should I store them?

Keep them in a cool, dry place.

Take your supplements consistently, try one at a time, keep a little log, and give it time. Most of all, be kind to yourself along the way. Every body is different, and figuring out what works for yours is part of the process, not a test you can fail.

We're cheering you on.

Our lactation supplements: Liquid Gold® · Milkapalooza® · Pump Princess · Cash Cow® · Lechita® · Lactaboost™